Wales' Williams wins Tour of Britain stage two

Wales' Stephen Williams outsprinted Julian Alaphilippe to triumph shape 2 of nan Tour of Britain successful Redcar and declare nan wide lead.

Israel–Premier Tech rider Williams held disconnected France's two-time world roadworthy title champion Alaphilippe and Britain's Oscar Onley arsenic a three-man breakaway contested nan decorativeness to nan 152.1km shape from Darlington.

Britain's Joseph Blackmore vanished fourth, astatine nan beforehand of a chasing group besides containing Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, 21 seconds down connected Williams.

Williams, 28, now leads nan wide classification by six seconds complete Onley, pinch Alaphilippe successful third, a further 10 seconds back.

“It’s really bully to get my hands successful nan air," said Williams. "It was a really reliable time out.

“The purpose now is to effort and clasp onto nan jersey - it’s not nan easiest occupation successful nan world. We person a beardown squad truthful hopefully everything goes correct connected nan road."

Stage 1 victor and overnight leader Paul Magnier vanished ninth, 1 infinitesimal 27 seconds down connected Williams, and is now ninth overall.

Thursday's shape 3 is simply a 166.1km hilly way from Sheffield to Barnsley.